If it weren’t for a practice dating back to some 2000 years ago (perhaps earlier) that depended on wooden barrels for practical whiskey storage, merchants nowadays would not have imagined adding oak flavors to their whiskey nowadays. In short, it’s great that wood is used to enhance the flavor of whiskey, giving it a more interesting texture than if the beverage was stored in anything completely nonreactive. So what is it about oak - the only wood used to store fine whiskey, by the way - that makes it perfect for the job? There are two particular ways whiskey flavor is enhanced by oak wooden barrels:
Oxidation Control
In terms of whiskey, an oak barrel controls oxidation. This slow process helps reduce astringency while boosting the whiskey’s stability. It lends the whiskey a richer, more complex aroma on top of its given alcohol scent. This results from letting just the right amount of oxygen added into the liquid.
Flavors and Notes Specific to Oak
Inside oak are certain kinds of complex chemicals that affect the flavor and texture of the whiskey in their own characteristic ways. This is experienced, for example, through hints of mint or notes of tea or tobacco, and the sheer overall complexity provided by the tannin, which blends with tannin that originates from the grain being made into whiskey.
Such compounds add pleasing nuances in a finished whiskey. A few examples would be furfural from the byproducts of carbohydrate breakdown, oak lactones that impart woodiness, and hydrolyzable tannins which are crucial to the astringency or mouth feel of the whiskey. The qualities and amounts of flavor and texture added to the whiskey are dictated by the whole chemistry of the selected oak barrel, as well as on the manufacturing method and type of oak used. Open this link to learn more https://freedomoakbarrels.com.
It is also important to note that American oak lends a different flavor profile from French Oak. The results are different when staves are air-dried and if they are dried with kiln heat. Even how the staves are bent causes important variables in the manufacturing process. All vintners have their own opinions about the best way to manufacture a barrel to give whiskey the best possible flavor. However, everyone agrees is that barrel making is a complicated craft where .amateurs do not thrive. Here is more info about oak barrels whiskey.
The good news is, you can find many reputable makers of oak barrels online that you can purchase from. But certainly, a little homework is necessary before deciding where to buy. You can do this on the web as well, focusing on customer reviews. However, read only from well-known independent consumer websites for genuine testimonials, instead of marketing websites that feature misleading reviews. Click here for more info : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisky.
